I have all the books but never get round to reading so i want a general idea of why they're so good. Aren't they just silly kids books or would an adult enjoy them?
2006-12-27 20:53:46 · 23 answers · asked by The Shadow 3 in Arts & Humanities ➔ Books & Authors
Everyone who reads and enjoys Harry Potter empathises with him. Consider what every story is about: a fish out of water, a character who is beaten and at first weak then realizes that he is powerful and intelligent and can beat the mightiest foe when he's confident about his own abilities and doesn't change who he is. We all believe in Harry Potter because he is us.
Rowling merely put this controlling idea into a well-crafted tale and fantastical setting that made it more appealing for the readers as we explored the scenes with suspense and curiousity and this kept us glued to the pages to learn more. I believe it was this setting and Rowling remaining faithful to the controlling idea that kept readers faithful.
The writing may be bland. But the storytelling is glorious!
2006-12-27 21:08:23 · answer #1 · answered by i8pikachu 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I am a 28 year old male and have been reading HP after book 2 came out. Yes there are for adults, the first 3 are young adult books but after that there are adult issues. It is fun to read about a world that does not exist, but you wish did. The read is very easy and has a good flow to the story from one book to the next.
2006-12-28 08:04:30 · answer #2 · answered by frogyspond 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
For books to be this popular, they clearly must appeal to a LOT of people, and by default that means there are appealing elements to them (the people to whom they don't appeal are in the minority, to judge by the sales figures). The books are in fact well written; the writing becomes more sophisticated with each book, not just because Rowling gets better but because she's writing for an older audience each time (Harry ages one year in each book). The characters are superbly drawn--often you can read a line of dialog and know, even without the tag, who would have said it. And they capture a sense of the epic. Each book follows the hero's cycle that underlies great myths from Gilgamesh to--actually, to Lord of the Rings! (There are many similarities to the King Arthur legends). They also include a great deal of wish-fulfillment, the sort of adventures that human readers have historically longed to have: A neglected child learns he is, in fact, one of the most important people in the world; an outsider learns that he is merely in the wrong place (the Ugly Duckling angle); there exists an entire magical world just beyond the understanding of the average human. Really, give them a try; they're a great ride.
2006-12-28 07:59:55 · answer #3 · answered by Vaughn 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I am an adult and I enjoyed them.
They are well written, but are directed at kids. The language is a lot more simple and the read is a lot more easier than say the Lord of the Rings.
It depends on whether or not you want your mind challenged and what kind of books you like to read.
If you want something to read that doesn't require you to think hard, and you like a bit of fantasy then you might enjoy them. The first book is the hardest to read though, as it is a bit boring at the start, as it is trying to set a scene. I skipped the first chapter until the second time I read it.
I was a bit dubious about reading it at first, thinking it was all codswallap, until I watched the first movie, and then I went back to read it (with the skipping chapter and stuff) and then I read all the books in a night each, except Goblet of Fire which took me three....
Again - it depends on what you like.
2006-12-28 05:03:04 · answer #4 · answered by annyka 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
They are in no way silly kids books. Try reading the 1st one and you'll soon get into it. Some of the later ones are quite large and get into quite intricate plot which would actually go over the top of most kids heads anyway. I think they are modern classics and basically just a really good story!
2006-12-28 05:09:22 · answer #5 · answered by Carrie S 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The Harry Potter books are extremely entertaining for both children and adults. Rowling has achieved what authors like Tolkein and Kipling and Stevenson have done, she has written books that both children and adults can enjoy at their own level, and that as people get older, they can enjoy the same books again and again.
2006-12-28 10:07:24 · answer #6 · answered by BlueManticore 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
They are good books, they have interesting character and a good plot/story.
I have read all the harry potter books and the lord of the rings and I much prefered the harry potter books. I found lord of the rings to be very serious books which lacked the fun and excitement of the harry potter books.
I would say you are only too old for them if you are too old to enjoy a fun story. (never in most cases).
2006-12-28 05:13:09 · answer #7 · answered by Mike 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
They are well thought out, and have a good set of characters. Although they appear to be aimed at children, because they describe a world that is not 'real', they are great esacpism for adults too, and in fact as you progress through the series you see that they become more 'adult' in their storylines.
I would definitely encourage you to take some time out and at least give them a try. Many adults have enjoyed them.
2006-12-28 06:00:32 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
I felt as you do until I tried the first book and found I was suddenly transported into another world which was not just for children. Then I watched the film and became addicted. I think the power is JK Rowling's perfect descriptions and her imagination. Add to that the clever filming and you have an instant success.
I first gave a book to my grandchildren and then heard their parents had read them and enjoyed them just as much so I think that answers your question.
2006-12-28 05:12:59 · answer #9 · answered by SYJ 5 · 0⤊ 2⤋
i love the books and the movies - tho i do think that children shudnt read or watch them as even i got scared a few times..n im an adult. They have a good story line, magic always intreegs ppl and it always just keeps you on the edge of your seat coz u dont no whats coming nxt! :)
2006-12-28 06:19:25 · answer #10 · answered by all that jazz 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋